Kenya Navy Training Cruise Flag Off

In the past Kenya Navy has been training its personnel abroad but this tradition has changed ever since the service decided to embrace new skills and knowledge acquired over years by conducting the same locally in their annual training cruise dubbed Ex-Jitegemee (self-reliance). The main objective of the training cruise is to equip junior officers with vast knowledge and skills conducted under high standards of sea training, crew training, testing equipment and machinery and flag showing (diplomacy).

As a tradition, Ex-Jitegemee XIX was flagged off by Commander Kenya Navy Maj Gen L F Mghalu on 18 September 2017 accompanied by Commander Kenya Navy Fleet.The training will cover a total of 3473 Nautical miles in approximately 1 month covering ports; Victoria Seychelles, Toamasina Madagascar, Ile Mayotte and Dare Salaam Tanzania. The training covers practical activities conducted under strict safety measures and high professional standards for young officers after 12 months of theory.

Commander Kenya Navy Fleet Brig C Kahariri welcomed the commander Kenya Navy to grace this year’s auspicious occasion and expressed the satisfaction undertaken by the crew to prepare the resources provided to make the training cruise a success which involve KNS Jasiri and KNS Shupavu. He also emphasized on the need to embrace the spirit of team work in order to better understand ones role which translates to execution of primary role.

Speaking during the flag off, Commander Kenya Navy Maj Gen Mghalu stated that the training cruise offers the crew with an ample opportunity for extensive training and also offers a platform to exercise professionalism that goes a long way in upholding the mission of Kenya Navy of defending the nation against sea borne aggression. He further encouraged the young officers to develop sea legs that will propel them to be entrusted with full responsibilities on board the ships in future. Maj Gen Mghalu advised all the sailors to be good ambassadors of KDF while at sea and during their various diplomatic visits. Due to the current security situation, the commander highlighted the need to be extra vigilant and embrace situational awareness while at sea and in port. Finally, he appreciated the efforts played by families in supporting the service members to execute their tasks of defending the nation. Lastly, he wished the crew and the trainees fair winds and following sea.

Commander Kenya Navy Major General Levi Mghalu addressing service members during the Cruise flag off event at the Kenya Navy Fleet.

Commitment

The Ministry of Defence is committed to defending and protecting the people of the Republic of Kenya and their property against external aggression and also in providing support to the Civil Authority as per the Law.

Our Mandate

To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya; assist and cooperate with other authorities in situations of emergency or disaster, and report to the National Assembly whenever deployed in such circumstances and may be deployed to restore peace in any part of Kenya affected by unrest or instability only with the approval of the National Assembly.